I Still Can't Believe We All Squeezed In!

When I was little I remember going to the circus. Having things going on in three rings was confusing but kinda exciting, too. The animal tricks and acrobats were awesome. I most vividly remember the tiny vehicle that spilled a whole troop of clowns out of the doors and roof and trunk...so many clowns from such a little space.

Yesterday was a bit of a circus here on the ranch. Our house is a fairly small 2 bedroom jobbie but somehow we managed to have a holiday open house party for family and friends that had aspects of a three ringed circus I suppose, but mostly was great good fun. The astonishing thing was that 45 people came and for a good part of the party at least 35 people fit into the downstairs of our home, with a few on the porch. Since it was first cold and then cold and raining our hope that the party could spill outside was thwarted.

Amazingly everyone seemed to have a good time, there were few glitches and plenty of food and drink. My daughter might think nothing of organizing a sit down dinner for 2,000 at work, but I've never thrown a party where 45 people came. Thank heavens she was here to help it all go smoothly!

Since at such a gathering you rarely sit down for more than a few moments, it's also normal (I think) to not eat very much of the food arrayed on the table. I did really enjoy a tasty yellow rice and black bean with pork dish that Sweetie's sister brought. If she gives me the recipe, I'll pass it on with her permission.

I feel just a bit tired now, really. As I write this part of the post it is the day after the party, I'm hungry today, and I've just had a nice lunch of After the Party Soup. I'm sure a different party might lead to a different soup, but this one is composed of things still on the table when the last guest had gone home, plus some chicken broth. It is savory and full flavored. The veggies are just warmed through so they still have some crunch and retain their own flavors...makes each spoonful an adventure. Somehow a soup like this is very appealing after the rich foods and sweets of the days before.

After the Party Soup
serves 2-4 depending on how hungry you are

1 can chicken broth or 2 cups home made chicken stock
1/2 cup White Bean Dip with Garlic (you can find the recipe here ...it makes more)

1 cup cooked rice

1 cup assorted raw veggies, diced in small pieces - I used red pepper, fresh green beans, zucchini and carrots, plus some parsley that had decorated the veggie platter...use what you like to eat

3/4 - 1 cup diced ham

salt and pepper to taste

Stir all the ingredients together and heat through, but don't boil. Taste for salt and pepper and adjust seasonings. Serve hot.